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History of Farragut Post p. 1, 

Portsmouth, Va. 
Det>'t.cfV)irginia, 6 R. R.. 

as pead by 

P. D. C, A A C. (^ POST ADJUTANT, 

COMRADE WM N- EATON- 



Presented with Compliments of Farragut Post No. 1. 



IN IVIKIVIOKIAIVI — QUAKTO CENTENNIAIv. 

CeUbfation, npt*il 6th, 1891 






LIST OF MEMBERS ON ROLL APRIL 6, 1891. 



James Avery, 
James Booth, 
Richard Bond, 
Peter Breene, 
George Heatty, 
Hazlett Carlisle, 
James Cook, 
James Clecre, 
John Douglass, 
Hallowell Dickinson, 
Win N. Eaton, 
A. E. Fuller, 
John Plj-nn. 
Martin Foley, 
H. E. Foster, 
George Funk, 
Harrison Gaffney, 
Joseph Greene, 
Frank Gillepsie. 
Thomas Jones, 
S. B. Kenney, 
James Kennedy, 
Henry F. Kilberry, 
James C Kelley, 
J. King, 

Thomas Kelley, 
H . M. Lamar, 
John F. Lawrence, 
C. S. Lawrence, 



James A. McCoy, 
H. D. McEwan, 
Charles McDonald, 
Michael Morrissey, 
John Mulligan, 
Fatrick McDonough, 
Henry O'Brien. 
W. S. Fopple, 
Jobn W. Hntter, 
VVui. Ryder. 
W. N. Rodgers. 
George kjchardson, 
James A. Kook, 
E D Robie, 
K. (i- Staples, 
J A. n. Smith. 
William Steele, 
William Swariwuiit, 
William Campbell, 
Cliarles Thompson, 
W A. Cooper, 
John W. Woodman, 
Charles Wilson, 
Theophilus F. Whitcomb, 
William E. Weber. 
Owen Ouinn, 
John Ross. 
Henry Clay Fisher, 
Theodore Rock. 



History. 



DURING the latter partct 1868, Comrades 
W. W. Whipple and Wm. \. Eaton, of 
Portsmouth, met frequently with Dr. S. B. Ken- 
ney, a Comrade of Grant Post of Richmond, 
and talked over the subject of the establishment 
of a Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
in their vicinity. One or two meetings wci e 
held of several of the Ex- Federal Soldiers and 
Sailors, and it was resolved to at once take 
action as to the formation of a Post. At this 
meeting were Comrades Eaton, Whipple, Ken- 
ney. Staples, Rich and others. A Charter was 
applied for to the Headquarters. Department 
of the Potomac, and was granted, bearing date 
of February 25th, 1869, Dr. S. B. Kenney Muster- 
ing Officer. On that night. Comrade S. B. Ken- 
ney, who was a member of Grant Post No. i, 
of Richmond, was detailed tc> muster in the 
applicants, which he did, the folhnving named 
being present: W. N. Eaton, \\\ W. Whipple, 
R. G. Staples, Thomas Welsh. .\. C. Fuller- 



Charles E. Rich, George H. Gooding, Henr}^ 
Stevens, W. H. Appenzeller, Peter Huckins, 
Robert M. Smith, George E. Elderkin, Lemuel 
Mayo, Thomas O' Connor, P. C. Asserson, Guy 
McAllister, James A.. Spaulding, Isaac Miller 
and John Gibbs, all of whom were duly muster- 
ed and obligated. Of this number at the pres- 
ent time. Comrades Whipple, Welsh, Rich, 
Stevens, Appenzeller, Smith, Elderkin and Mayo, 
have all passed over the river at the call of the 
Commander in Chief of the Universe, and are 
now trying the realities of the unseen world 
beyond. What a lesson can be gleaned from 
this showing! Nearly one half of those muster- 
ed in on the first night of the organization of 
this Post, are dead; of the remaining number, 
two only. Comrades Eaton and Staples, are still 
members of the G. A. R., the others having lost 
interest in the organization and permitted them- 
selves to run off the post roll of membership. 
The first Post Commander was P. C. Asserson, 
now the ranking Civil Engineer of the U. 
S. Navy. The first Charter of Farragut Post 
was issued by Department Commander 
George F. Egbert, Commander of the De- 
partment of the Potomac, and was dated 
February, 25th 1869, signed by him and 



C. Deyber as Assistant Adjutant General. The 
2nd Charter was issued September 27th, 1871, 
signed by Comrade H. Carlisle as Department 
Commander of the Department of Virginia, and 
Comrade Max Cohen as Assistant Adjutant 
General. 

The Post, at the time of its organization^ 
was known as No. 5, Posts being then 
known by numbers and not by names, as now. 
The first memorial services of this Post were 
held at Yorktown, Va., May 30th, 1869, in ac- 
cordance with General Orders of Commander 
in Chief, John A. Logan, and were participated 
in by Post No. 3, of Norfolk, and about two 
hundred and fifty persons, friends of the order. 
The Orator of the Day was the Hon. B. B. 
Foster, Judge of the U. S. District Court, who 
in the course of his most eloc[uent address 
used the following language: ''Peace has come 
back with healing in its wrings; man's talk is 
again of cattle and crops, stocks and shares; 
again the feet that kept step to martial music 
plod through the furrow, trip in the halls of 
feasting, or resound in the streets and on the 
wharves of busy marts." Speaking of the brave 
men who, witli shiittered limbs, decrepid forms 



and depreciated health, who had but a few 
short years ago returned from the field of carn- 
age and strife, and their claims upon the Gov- 
ernment for the redemption of promises made, 
he said: "Is the Nation forgetting the brave 
men that rescued it ? Is the war becoming an 
old story, trite and stale ? Are the slaughtered 
comrades beneath the sod, and the shattered 
comrades who still linger, dropping from their 
place in the gratitude of the people who owe to 
them all they now prize and enjoy ? Are they 
to remain examples of the ingratitude of the 
Republic ? I sometimes fear so. The organiz- 
ation under whose auspices the simple and 
sacred ceremonies of this day are conducted, 
is designed to protect the brave men who up- 
held the Republic, from neglect and forgetful- 
ness, living or dead." 

"There could be no nobler mission." 

Rev. James S. Beyer and the Rev. Mr. Hicks 
also took part in this first memorial service of 
the Post. 

The number of the Post was changed by Dept. 
authority to No. 4, about August 26th, 1869. 

Comrade W. H. Appenzeller was the next 
Post Commander, succeeding Comrade Asser - 



son, who had served two terms of six months 
each. Comrades S. P). Kenney and George H. 
(rooding had served for the two terms as 
Adjutants, Comrade H. Carlisle being the next 
to serve in that capacity. 

The increase of tlie Post in membership up 
to this time was very rapid, numbering about 
one hundred, and it was about this period that 
the grades of recruit, soldier and veteran were 
in operation. Many applications for assistance 
in procuring Comrades employment and posi- 
tions were being received and acted upon, and 
in many instances with much benefit to those 
interested. 

The calls for aid upon the Post fund up to 
this time had been very frequent, amounting 
to nearly $600.00, not including private chari- 
ties, which were not officially reported. 

Among the members at this time, were found 
the following, viz: J. H. Remington, the first 
Provisional Department Commander, Com- 
rades McDougall, Luther Lee, Jr., Lawton, 
P^aton, Kenney, Appenzeller, Dempsey, Car- 
lisle, Murphy, Ryder, Shellcup, Christg, Bey- 
ers, Staples, Travers, Smith, Fitzpatrick, Bur- 
rell, Finn, Scott, Webber, Buckley, Murphy, 



8 



Gooding, Simmonds, Nichols, Miller, Huckins, 
Gibbs, Powers, Hodges, Wetermeyer, Wilcox, 
Cook, McCauley, Hughes, Rutter, Spaulding^ 
Whipple, Lawrence, Roper, Russel, Sanders, 
Lord, Meehan, Slote, Lawler, Tinsman, Chan- 
dler, Giirley, Magerstadt, Johnson, Bogy, Ap- 
plebee, Parkes, Proctor, Silloway, and others- 
The 2nd Memorial Service was held at the Na- 
tional Cemetery, Hampton, Va., May 30th. The 
Orator was Comrade, Maj. J. H. Remington. 
Comrade R. G. Staples was elected in June, 1870, 
to succeed Comrade W. N. Eaton as Quarter- 
master, who had served since the formation of 
the Post to this time. Comrade H. Carlisle 
was elected Post Commander in June, 1870, 
C. A. Shafer, Senior Vice Commander, and 
P. H. Huckins Junior Vice Commander, F. J. 
Simmonds Adjutant, Dr. S. B. Kenney Surgeon. 
August i8th, 1870, Comrades J. H. Remington* 
S. B. Kenney and Edward Murphy, were ap- 
pointed to prepare a suitable eulogy upon the 
death of Admiral Farragut; it was read at the 
meeting of August 25th, 1870. The paper was 
read by Comrade Remington, and with a series 
of resolutions of sympathy to the family of the 
Admiral, were forwarded to them, also were 

a 



printed in the G. A. R. Journal published at 
Washington D. C. by Dr. Collins. Comrade 
Rev. James S. Beyer was elected Commander of 
the Post December 29th, 1870. Delegates to 
the Department Encampment were W. W. Sil- 
oway and H. B. Nichols. On the night of Oct. 
23rd, 187 f, a meeting under the auspices of 
Farragut Post No. 3, ((he name Farragut hav- 
ing been selected, applied and adopted in Sep- 
tember, 1869, and the change of number from 4 
to 3, having taken place in August, 1879;) was 
held at the Union Station M. E. Church, R. G. 
Staples, Chairman, W. N. Eaton, Secretary. 
This meeting was to raise money for the needy 
and destitute comrades of Posts in the West, 
who had suffered from the effects of a devastat- 
ing fire. Rev. E. W. Pierce, Pastor of l^nion 
Station M. E. Church, Dr. S. B. Kenney and 
others addressed the meeting, and fifty dollars 
was raised for the purpose designated. 

S. S. Ivincoln was the next Post Commander, 
his term of oftice commencing January 1st, 1872. 
The Post numbered about this time 135 mem- 
bers. 

P. C. Asserson w'as elected Commander for 
the year 1873, this being his third term of ser- 



10 



vice in this position; Harry Gaffney, Senior Vice 
Commander, John D. Lawton, Junior Vice Com- 
mander, R. G Staples Quartermaster, C. A. 
Shafer, Chaplain 

A Camp Fire was held for the first time Feb- 
ruary 13th, 1873. 

Two hundred copies of the Rules and Regu- 
lations of the Post were ordered printed April, 

1873. 

Memorial Day May 30th, 1873, was observed 
at Yorktown. No record was entered of Speak- 
ers or proceedings on that day. The Post Fund 
at this time amounted to $627.50. Comrade P. 
C. Asserson was again elected Post Commander 
for the year 1874, Richard Bond, Senior Vice 
Commander, James H. Averill, Junior Vice 
Commander, W. H Appenzeller, Quartermaster. 
Adjutant, James B. Dempsey, appointed, this 
being his third term . Comrade Asserson resign- 
ed April 15th, 1874, and Comrade S. B Kenney 
was chosen to succeed him. Memorial Day, 
May 30th, 1874, was observed at the National 
Cemetery at Hampton. Addreses were made 
by Commander W. N. Eaton and P. S. V. Com. 
in Chf. Genl. J. R. Goble and Col. James D. Bra- 
dy of the 63rd N. Y. Vol Infantry. Comrade 



11 



Kcnne)' resigned the position of Commander 
Oct. J 5th, 1874, and Comrade Richard Bond 
was eleclrd to fill the vacancy. The Senior Vice 
Commander having also resigned, Comrade H. 
H. NichoL^ was elected to fill the position 
Comrade James H. Averill was elected as Com- 
mander for the year 1875, C. A. Shafer as Sen- 
ior Vice Commander, James J. Booth, Junior Vice. 
Commander, W. H. Appenzeller, Quartermaster 
Memorial Day was observed May 29th, 1875, 
at the National Cemetery, Hampton, Va. and 
at the Hall; Orator of the day, Com. S. B. 
Kennedy 

Tile Commander for 1876 was Charles A. 
.Shafer, Senior Vice Commander, H. P. Buell, 
juni(»r Vice Commander S. B. Kenney, Quarter- 
master \V. H. Appenzeller,Chaplain, Rev. Owen 
Hicks, Adjutant, appointed, W. N. Iiaton; 
('omrade Shafer resigned subsequently and A. 
C. I'uller was elected. 

On the night of January 13th, 1876, Comrade 
.S. P). Kenney presented to David Farragut Ap- 
pen/eMer, son of Comrade W. H. Appenzeller, 
in behalf of the Post, a very beautifully engrav- 
ed silver ciip whi(^h was received by Comrade 
ICnton ill Ixhalf of the young man, in a befitting 



12 



speech. The Department Encampment was 
held at the Head-quarters of this Post, on the 
2oth of January, 1876. 

Post Camp Fire and Memorial services were 
held February 25th, 1876. April 27, 1876, Com- 
rade Wm. Ryder presented the Post with a 
handsome fiag. 

Memorial Day was observed May 30th, 1876, 
at Yorktown, Va. The Post and friends were 
conveyed to and from that place by the U. S. 
Tug, Pinta, the use of which was granted 
through the kindness of Commodore T. H. 
Stevens, U. S. N., Commandant of the Navy 
Yard at Norfolk, Va. Colonel James D, Brady 
of the gallant 63rd. N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, 
was the Orator of the Day, assisted by the Rev. 
R. H. Scott, then Pastor of Union Station M. 
E. Church. The trip on returning was a stormy 
one, and those who participated wnll never forget 
it. The Post attended the Centennial Encamp- 
ment in July, 1876. Comrade Fuller resigned 
as Commander, August 3rd, 1876, and Comrade 
James B. Dempsey was elected for the remain- 
der of the term. At this time the Post had 
become, for some reason, much reduced in mem- 
bership, and a strenuous effort was made, with 



13 



some little success, to recruit its ranks. 

The following comrades were elected as the 
officers for 1877: Commander, W. N. Eaton; 
Senior Vice Commander, F. J. Simmonds; Jun- 
ior Vice Commander, W. Carr ; Chaplain, Wm. 
Ryder; Quartermaster, Wm. H. Appenzeller; 
Surgeon, George Richardson; Delegates to the 
Department Encampment, George Richardson; 
Post Adjutant, Richard Bond. Certain chan- 
ges were made in the Rules and Regulations 
governing the Post at this time. 

The Department Encampment was held this 
year at the Collector's Office, in Norfolk, Va. 
Post Memorial Services were held on the 22nd 
of February of this year, with an appropriate 
programme of exercises. The Post at this time 
became impressed with the theatrical fever, 
and organized a troupe from among the com- 
rades and fi'iends and gave several exhibitions 
which were well attended and gave great pleas- 
ure to the performers and those attending, Com- 
rades Bond, Kenney, Gaffney, Eaton, Hurlbut, 
Craig, Harrington and others participating. 

The 30th of May was observed as Memor- 
ial Day this year, and was held at the Naval 
Hospital Cemetery, and concluded at night at 



u 



the hail; comrade R. G. Staples was the Oiator 
for the occasion. 

The Officers elect for 1878, were, Conuiiandcr 
A. B. Hurlbut; Senior Vice Commander, H. 
Gaffney; Junior Vice Commander, AV K. Ham- 
mond; Quartermaster, W. H. Appen/.eller; 
Chaplain, William Ryder; R. G. Staj-les. Dt^l- 
egate; S. B. Kenney Officer of the Day. 

The Post observed Memorial Services May 
30th, 1878, at the Post Hall, and the Depart- 
ment Commander, Comrade R. G. Staples. 
delivered the address, 

June T3th, 1878, the Post remitted the dues 
of all comrades over six montiis in anears. 
The Post ^Iso adopted a resolution that all thr 
comrades be requested to pay their dues month- 
ly instead of quarterly. This was an effort ]vat 
forth by the Quartermaster to enable the <-om- 
rades to pay theif dues in smaller amounts, and 
was quite a successful one. On the third of 
October, a camp fire was held for the purpose 
of raising funds for the benefit of the C(^mrades 
of the G. A. R., in New Orleans, who were suff- 
ering from yellow fever, the amount raised hciuLr 
some $300, and was forwarded to its d<^stin- 
ation. It seems that the post was not as well 



15 



attended at this time as was desired, and a reso- 
lution was passed, in which a large number 
of comrades, then present, pledged themselves 
to attend the meetings regularly until the end 
of the year. 

The officers of the Post for 1879, were as 
follows : 

Commander, Wm. Ryder, S. V. C, S. B. 
Kenney, J. V. C, R. Bond, Chaplain, R. G. 
Staples, Surgeon, James Booth, O. M , W. H. 
Appenzeller, Officer of the Day, A. C. Fuller, 
Officer of the Guard, James Saunders 

Comrade Adjutant W. N. Eaton, at the meet- 
ing Jan. 9, 1879, introduced a resolution that 
the Post hold a yearly service to celebrate the 
organization of the Post ; this was carried, and 
comrades Eaton, Appenzeller, Kenney, Gaffney, 
and Applebee, w^ere appointed a committee to 
prepare a programme ot exercises. 

It w^ould seem that the lessees of the Hall 
were somewhat lax in providing necessary 
furniture, seats, etc , at this time for the use 
of the rentors, and they were appealed to, to 
provide suitable and comfortable seats and con- 
veniences. 

March 20, 1879, Comrade Department In- 



16 



spector Harry J. Gaffney inspected the Post. 
An employment committee was at this time in 
operation, comrade Staples being chairman. 

A feature of the meeting held on the night 
of the 3d of August, 1879, was to take a recess 
in order to give comrades a chance to pay 
their dues, during which time, the comrades 
indulged in the smoking of the pipe of peace 
and liberty, and singing of songs. Farragut 
Post observed the National Memorial Day of 
this year at Arlington National Cemetery, at 
Washington, 1). C, with the Posts of the De- 
partment of the Potomac. President Hayes 
and wife received the comrades of the Post, and 
friends. A memorial hymn prepared by R. G. 
Staples, was sung on this occasion, as well also, 
one written by comrade R. Scott Harrington. 

The officers elect for 1880 were as follows ': 
Commander, A. C. Fuller, S. V. C, Charles 
Ritch, J, V. C, H. Dickinson, Q. M , VV. H. Ap- 
penzeller. Jan. 2 2d, comrade A. C Fuller re- 
signed as Commander, and comrade Chief Engi- 
neer King,U. S. N , was elected to fill the position. 
March 25th, 1880, the post was called together 
to pay the last tribute of respect to our late 
comrade, Chief Engineer H. Newell, U. S. N., 



17 



a member of Baker Post, No. 8, of Philadel- 
phia, Pa., Comrades Wm. Rydler, S. B. Kenney, 
A. B. Hurlburt, James Kennedy and Andrew 
Hopkins were appointed to act as an escort. 
The remains were escorted to the Baltimore 
boat, and were sent by express to Philadelphia, 
Pa. Memorial services were held, April 2d, 
1880, and Comrade Post Commander, W. Hervey 
King, delivered the address, which was one of 
marked eloc[uence, and full of patriotic senti- 
ment. 

An auxiliary corps to the Post was organize«J 
in this year, and continued in existence for a 
short time only. 

Memorial day was observed by the Post at 
Arlington Heights, Washington, D. C, in con- 
junction with the Posts of the Department of 
the Potomac. An ode prepared by Comrade 
R. Scott Harrington, was rendered on this occa- 
sion by the following persons, viz.: Messrs. Prof. 
C. C. Ainsworth, organist, since deceased ; Thos. 
Henderson, Geo. Martin, James Pierce, and 
Comrades Craig, Harrington, leader; also as- 
sisted by Messrs. Sturtevai.t, Eaton and others. 
The ode sung on this occasion was dedicated to 
Farragut Post by Comrade Harrington. 



18 

The officers elected for the year 1881, were as 
follows, viz.: Commander, B. P. Kenney; S.V. C, 
L. C. Matthews; J. V. C, Geo. Beatty; Quarter- 
master, Wm. H. Appenzeller; Surgeon, R. Bond; 
Chaplain, Jas. K. Kennedy. December 15th, 
several prominent officials from National Head- 
quarters visited the Post, viz.: Commander-in- 
Chief, Louis Wagner; Adjt, General, R. B. 
Beath; W. E. W. Ross, Commander of the De- 
partment of Maryland; J. H. Suter, A. A. 
General of the Department of Maryland; N. M. 
Rittenhouse, J. G. Taylor and W. H. Weigel, 
Aid-de-Camps on the staff of the Commander- 
iin-Chief. 

A camp fire was held on this occasion which 
outdid all former efforts for success in this 
direction. 

Department Commander, W. Hervey King, 
made an official visit to the Post on the night of 
February 17, 1881. 

Comrade Cook, and others, who had partici- 
pated in the unveiling of the statue of Admiral 
Farragut, at Washington D. C, made a report 
of the same. In a communication from the 
Superintendent of the National Cemetery at City 
Point, May 5, 1881, he stated that there was 



19 



buried in said cemetery 5.135 ex-l'nion soldiers. 

Memorial Day observed at City Point, Va. 
The Government Tug, Fortune, conveyed friends 
and Post to the landing and back. 

A Memorial service was held by this Post on 
the afternnon of September 20, 1881, in com- 
memoraiion of the death of our beloved and 
highly esteemed Comrade, James A. Garfield, 
late President of the United States. After the 
Memorial services in the Ritual had been gone 
through with, the Post attended in a body the 
Court Street Presbyterian Church of this City, 
where a solemn and patriotic address suitable 
to the occasion, was delivered by the Rev. Mr. 
Hentierson, pasior of that church. At the next 
meeting of the Post, held September 29, 1881, 
resolutions were passed in memory of our de- 
ceased Comrades, General James A. Garfield, 
and General Ambrose E. Burnside. 

Resolutions of condolence to Comrades Ap- 
penzeller, Beatty and Cook, in the loss of some 
of their children by death, were also adopted at 
this meeting. Comrade Appenzeller resigned 
the position of Quartermaster at this time and 
Comrade Thomas P. Jones was elected to fill 
the vacancy 



20 



The following officers were elected for the 
year 1882, viz. : 

Commander, R. G. Staples; S. V. C. Wm. 
Ryder; J. V. C, A. J. Glacie; Surgeon, R. Bonvl; 
Chaplain, James Kennedy; Quartermaster, 
Thomas P. Jones. 

May 25, 1882, Comrades A. A. G. W. P. Sands 
and Andy Fyans, visited the Post and were 
well received. 

Comrade Ainsworth, in behalf of some G. A, 
R. friends from Massachusetts, requested that 
they might be furnished with some flowers as a 
memorial offering to their Post in Massachu- 
sets. Granted. 

There appears to be no record of the obser- 
vance of Memorial day in this year, excepting 
committee's report, and that it had been ob- 
served at Naval Hospital Cemetery, 

About this time an effort was made to secure 
means with which to purchase the property 
known as Union Station M, E, Church, the in- 
tention being, if secured, to convert it into a G. 
A. R. hall. This movement, however, never 
came to a successful end, as the Post was unable 
to procure sufficient funds with which to make 



a- 



21 



the purchase, and the entire effort was discon- 
tinued. 

The Post was visited about this time b}' a 
number of Comrades from Mass., Vermont and 
New Hampshire. 

The Comrades secured the U. S. Tug, For- 
tune, and the visiting Comrades were given a 
delightful trip to Fort Monroe, Nat'l Soldiers' 
Home, Normal School, and different points of 
interest along the river, and by resolution passed 
by them, they expressed their gratification at 
the delightful and very pleasant reception given 
them. The Post, at this time, numbered 45 ac. 
tive members. 

A committee was appointed at the meeting of 
August 31, 18S2, to revise the Rules and Regu- 
lations of the Post. 

Several Camp Fires were held during this 
year. 

The officers ellected for 1883, were : 

Commander, T. P. Jones; S. V. C, A. J. Glace; 
J. V. C, William Swartwout; Chaplain, George 
Beatty; Quartermaster, R. G. Staples. 

In January, 1883, the Hall was renovated and 
put m good condition. 



22 



Post Memorial services were held March 8^ 
1883. 

The death of Comrade Past Department Com- 
mander W. Hervey King, also a past Post Com- 
mander of this Post, was announced at the 
meeting held March 15, 1883, and a suitable set 
of resolutions was prepared and adopted at a 
subsequent meeting, setting forth his love for 
the order; his unbounded patriotism and cour- 
age. 

May loth, 1883, Comrade P. T. Woodfin, De- 
partment Commander, visited the Post and was 
gladly welcomed . He spoke of the kindness of 
Farragut Post to him in the past, and said he 
never could forget them as long as he lived. 

May 30, i>^83. National Memorial Day was 
observed at the Naval Hospital Cemetery; 
Comrade S. B. Kenney was the orator of the 
day, and the music was furnished by the " Hay- 
den Octette Club," led by Comrades Harring- 
ton and Craig. 

Memorial services were also held at the Hall 

at night. 

A Camp Fire was held on the night of Nov- 
ember 22, 1883, and on the invitation of the 
Pos: a number of the members of the Stonewall 



a- 



23 



Confederate veierans were present. The occa- 
sion was one of happy enjoyment to all who 
participated. 

Officers for 1884, — Commander, J. W. Wood- 
man; Senior Vice Commander, James Kennedy; 
Junior Vice Commander. James Cook. 

The following is the record of the Post mem- 
bership, January 24, 1884: 

Deaths 23; Honorably discharged and trans- 
ferred, 19. 

Dropped for all causes, 89; remaining on 
roll, 57. 

Total mustered since organization, 188. 

Names of members in good standing at this 
time : 



P. C. Anderson, 
A. Ainsworth, 
R. Bond, 
John Brown, 
George Beatty, 
H. Carlisle, 
Frank Craio^, 
A. J. Cornell, 
Thos |. W. Coopei 
John Douglass, 
Wm. Erxleben, 
A. C. Fuller, 
John Gibbs, 
Wm. Hughes, 
R. S. Harrington, 



W. H. Appenzeller, 
James Booth, 
"E. Bond, 
G. J. Burnap, 
J. Barry, 
James Cook, 
N J. Croft, 
James Clegir, 
Jnmes B. Dempsey. 
W. N. Eaton. 
F. A. Englehart, 
James Flemming, 
A. J. Glacie, 
George Hildreth, 
A. B. Hurlbut, 



24 



Henry Johnson, 
S. B. Kenney, 
J. C. Kelley, 
Harry Lamar, 
Moses Lent, 
John Mas;erstadt, 
Henry McEwan, 
William Rvder, 
Lewis Russ, 
Harry Robie, 
James A. Spal.iing. 
W. M. Silloway, 
Wm. Swartwout, 



T. P. Jones, 
James Kennedy, 
Louis Kitzens'ein, 
John S. Lawrence, 
Charles McDonald, 
James A. McCoy, 
H. B. Nichols. 
}. W. Rutter, 
C. F. Ritch. 
R. G. Staples, 
F. J. Simmons, 
James Saunders, 



Albert H. Tarr, 
John W. Woodman. 

Comrade H. Carlisle was Adjutant of the Post 
in 1884, having succeeded Comrade VV. N. 
Eaton, who was Adjutant for the five years pre- 
ceding. Comrade Carlisle, in the estimation 
of those who know, was the most efficient adjut- 
ant and correct officer the Post ever had. 

Post Memorial services were held at the Hall 
of the Post February 25, 1S84, Comrade W. N. 
Eaton was the speaker on this occasion, and was 
followed by the following name.d members of 
the Confederate Camps of the City of Ports- 
mouth and Norfolk County, viz., W. H. 
Stewart and Griffith F. Edwards. 

The following death roll was read on this 
occasion, viz.: 



25 



Comrades,— W. H. King, H. P. Buell, E. G. 
Elderkin, E. H. Eastwood, G. A. Lord, Lem 
Mayo, G. Parks, G. W, Roper, H, B. Stevens, L. 
C, Thayer, E. K. Winters, B. P, Chandler, 
James Gurley, W, B. Jarvis, Luter Lee, Jr., 
Barney McHugh, Charles Rich, George Shell- 
cup, J. Satton, A, J. Joyner, O. H. Lackey. 

The Post attended this year the Confederate 
Memorial services. Forty comrade*? were 
present. 

National Memorial Day was observed at the 
Naval Hospital Cemetery, May 31, 1884. Com- 
rade Adjutant General W. N. Eaton was the 
orator of the day; the services were participated 
in by the U, S. Marine Batallion, Sailors from 
thd U. S, S. Vessels, the Portsmouth and Nor- 
folk, County Confederate veterans, and the 
public generally, and was one of, if not the 
largest attended of all memorial services ever 
held by this Post. 

The oflicers elected for 1885, were: Commander, 
A, C. Fuller; Senior Vice Commander, James 
Clegg; Junior Vice Commander, John VV, Rutter; 
Chaplain J. W. Woodman, 

National Memorial Day was observed this 
year, 1885, at the Naval Hospital Cemetery, 



26 



May 30th. The Address was delivered by P. P. 
C, S. B. Kenney, and the services were partici- 
pated in by the Confederates of this city and 
the friends and citizens generally. Mr. Frank 
Campbell sang *'The Blue and the Gray." 

At the meeting of July 30, 1885, resolutions of 
respect, sor'-ow and deep sympathy, were adopted 
in regard to the death of our illustrious com- 
rade and hero of many battles, as well as our 
renowned and historical military leader, U. S. 
Grant. 

At a number of the Camp Fires which were 
being continuously lield every year by the Post, 
Comrade Prof. Charles McDonald was present 
and added much to the enjoyment of the friends 
and comrades present, by his able exhibition in 
feats of legerdemain, and for which he has re- 
ceived many resolutions of thanks from his 
comrades. October 10, 1885, the Post visited in 
a body the fair being held by the Confederate 
veterans of this city. 

December 25, 1885, M. Glennan, Editor of the 
N'orfolk Virginian^ presented the Post with a 
handsome steel engraving of General U. S. 
Grant. 

Stonewall Camo of the Confederate V'^eterans 



27 



of this city presented the Post with a beautifully 
worked representation of the tomb of General 
Grant; the presentation being made by Captain 
James Binford, Commander of Stonewall Con- 
federate Camp, of Portsmouth, Virginia, who, 
in his brief remarks said : Commander and 
Comrades of Farragut Post No. 5, of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, I present to you on be- 
half of Stonewall Confederate Camp of this 
city, this picture, worked in hair, of the tomb 
of General U. S. Grant, and now we can all 
gather around this tomb, as American citizens, 
and admire his greatness in war; his magnanim- 
ity and generosity in victory, and his heroism 
in death. 

Professor Charles H. Sturtevant and the choir 
of the Wright Memorial M. E. Church, rendered 
the music for this occasion. 

The officers elected for 1886 were : Com- 
mander, R. P. Wheeler; Senior Vice Commander, 
James Clegg; Junior Vice Commander, D. G. 
Sterling. 

National Memorial Day was held at the Naval 
Hospital Cemetery this year. Comrade R, P. 
Wheeler being the orator of the day. 



28 

Six companies of U. S. Marines; two com- 
panies of U. S, Seamen; Stonewall Camp of 
Confederate Veterans; Pickett Buchanan Camp 
of Confederates, of Norfolk; Farragut Post and 
many friends and citizens participated in this 
service. 

The officers elected for 1887 were: Com- 
mander, R. G. Staples; Senior Vice Com- 
mander, James Clegg; Junior Vice Commander, 
J. J. Booth; Quartermaster, John Woodman; 
Chaplain, W. H. Appenzeller. 

National Memorial Day was held this year at 
the Naval Hospital Cemetery. It was attended 
by the United States Marine Corps, under Col. 
Thomas Y. Field; detachments from the U. S. 
S. Trenton and Ossipee, Stonewall and Pickett 
Buchanan Camp of Confederate Veterans; 
Mexican veterans and the Sons of Veterans; 
Worden Post No. 25, of Norfolk, and Farragut 
Post of this city. 

Stonewall Camp, of this city, presented the 
Post with a beautifully designed American flag 
made of flowers, on this occasion. Comrade 
Staples was to deliver the address, but sickness 
preventing, Comrade R. P. Wheeler was sub- 
stituted. 



29 



The vocal music was led by Professor Charles 
H. Sturtevant. 

The officers elected for 1888, were : Com- 
mander. Charles McDonald; Senior Vice Com- 
mander, H.Dickinson; Junior Vice Commander, 
James Cook; Quartermaster, John W. Wood- 
man; Adjutant, W. N. Eaton; Chaplain, VV, H. 
Appenzeller. 

A very pleasing service was held on the night 
of April 12, 1888, it being a re-union of Post 
representatives to pay their greetings to each 
other, and I0 present to the Department Com- 
mander, John W. Woodman, a beautiful gold 
Ct. a. R. Rank Badge, which was done in a 
very pleasant manner by Comrade P. P^ C, R. 
P. Wheeler, of Worden Post No. 25. 

Resolutions of condolence were passed on the 
night of May 10, 1888, on the death of Comrade 
Andrew Ainsworth. 

National Memorial Day was observed this 
vear at the Headquarters of the Post, Comrade 
John W, Woodman, being the orator of the 
evening. The Choir of Wright Memorial 
Methodist Episcopal Church (South), under the 
leadership of Professor Charles H. Sturtevant, 



30 



rendered some very sweet music on this occa- 
sion, assisted by Miss Irene White, at the organ, 
and Messrs. Martin, Cutherell, Cherry, Sturte- 
vant, Sr. and others. 

November 15, 1888, the Post was inspected by 
Comrade Department Inspector, R. P. Wheeler. 

The officers elected for 1889, were as follows : 

Commander, Joseph Clark; Senior Vice Com- 
mander, Joseph Green; Junior Vice Com- 
mander, Thomas Kelly; Surgeon, Charles Mc- 
Donald; Chaplain, Henry Kilbeery; Quarter- 
master, John W. Woodman, Adjutant, W, N. 
Eaton. 

At a meeting held March 21, Comrade Kil- 
beery, Chaplain, requested a transfer card stat- 
ing that he was going to leave the United States 
and cross over to the shores of old England. He 
assured the comrades of his love for them, and 
that though in a foreign country, he would ever 
u^ear with pride, the badge of the G. A. R., 
especially on National Memorial Da3^ 

May 30, 1889, was observed by the decoration 
of graves of deceased comrades in the different 
city cemeteries, and a night memorial service 
was held at the hall ; the Post met at 3 p. m., and 



31 

accompanied by the U. S. Marine Corps, under 
the command of Major McClane Tilton, and a 
company of sailors from the U. S. vessels at the 
Yard; Naval officers in carriages; Picket 
Buchannan Camp of Confederates, of Norfolk, 
who had previously presented the Post with a 
beautiful token of peace — "A white dove perched 
on a pyramid of flowers," the entire command 
proceeded to the Naval Hospital Cemetery 
where the graves of the blue and the gray were 
strewn with flowers, and then assuming line of 
march were dismissed at the different points 
selected along the route. 

The services at night were very interesting, 
Comrade John W. Rutter delivering the ad- 
dress, the music baing rendered by Comrade 
R. G. Staples and the members of the Fourth 
Street Baptist Church choir, assisted by Messrs. 
Sturtevant, Sr. and Jr., Eaton and others. 

October lo, 1889. The positions of Com- 
mander, Chaplain, and Officers of the Day and 
Guard, were declared vacant by vote of the 
Post. Comrade James Clegg was elected to fill 
the position of Commander; W. H. Appenzeller, 
Chaplain; George E. Beatty, Officer of the Day, 
and H. E. Forester, Officerof the Guard. These 



32 



Comrades were duly installed into office. By 
resolution of the Post, Comrade Eaton was ap- 
pointed to read a paper on the History of the 
War, and this was to be the first of a continuous 
set of readings by different members of the 
Post, to be appointed by the Commander at 
each meeting. 

Comrades Carlisle, Woodman, Beatty, Clegg, 
Rutter, Appenzeller, Cooper, Rock, Milligan, 
Whitcomb, Forster, Lamar, McDonald and 
others, have read some very interesting papers, 
and this feature has been much appreciated by 
the members of the Post, as well as numerous 
recitations by Comrade C. S. Lawrence. 

The officeis for 1890, were as follows ; Com- 
mander, James Clegg; S. V. C, H. E. Forster; 
J, V. C, J. W. Rutter; Chaplain, W. H. Appen- 
zeller; Surgeon. Charles McDonald; Officer of 
the Day, (leorge E. Beatty; Officer of the Guard, 
John Milligan; Quartermaster, John W. Wood- 
man; Adjutant, W. N. Eaton. 

Department Commander, R. P. Wheeler, made 
several visits to the Post during this year. 

March 20, 1890, a Camp Fire was held which, 
in ])oint of interest, eclipsed all others. Songs 



33 

were sung by friends who volunteered for the 
occasion. Comrade C. S. Lawrence, recited 
several very interesting selections, among others, 
^'The Stariy Banner of our Country," and be- 
sides these, we were entertained by several 
amateur comedians. 

Comrade Whitcomb's narrative of his prison 
life at Andersonville, related at one of the Post 
meetings, proved very attractive and interesting. 

Pound parties were held during this year and 
proved very profitable as well as affording much 
amusement. 

Basket sociables were also introduced, and 
were a source of much pleasure and at the same 
time very profitable. 

National Memorial Day was observed this 
year at the Naval Hospital Cemetery, and was 
participated in by the officers of the Navy Yard, 
the U. S. Marine Corps, under command of 
Major McLane Tilton; sailors from the U. S. 
vessels, and the vocal part of the exercises were 
conducted by Mr. Charlie, our old tried musical 
friend, assisted by others. 

Comrade W. N. Eaton was the orator of the 
evening at the night exercises. The Post has 
been the fortunate recipient of a valuable library 
of some 52 volumes of the History of the War, 



34 

prepared by Comrade Chief Engineer, E. D. 
Robie. U. S. N., the present Dept, Inspector. 

September 5, 1890, Comrade Past Department 
Commander, Past Post Commander and De- 
partment Inspector, R. P. Wheeler, died, and 
was followed the Sunday succeeding his death 
by the Comrades of his own as well as of Far- 
ragut Post. 

The officers elected and appointed for 1891, 
were as follows : Commander, John W. Rutter; 
S. V. C, H. E. Forster; J, V. C, C S. Lau- 
rence (Comrade Whitcomb having declined the 
position of J. V. C); Chaplain, Comrade Theo. 
T. Whitcomb; Surgeon, Charles McDonald; 
Quartermaster, John W. Woodman; Officer of 
the Day, George E. Beatty ; Officer of the Guard, 
Comrade Owen Quin; Adjutant, W. N. Eaton. 

December 21, 1891, marked the death of our 
beloved and efficient Comrade, W. H. Appen- 
zeller. Comrades, how we miss him. Genial, 
active, kind hearted; his name will ever be held 
in loved remembrance, as one who knew his 
duty and always did it. 

Resolutions of respect, c()ndt)lence and sym- 
pathy, were adopted by the Post at its first 
meeting in 1891, on the death of our beloved 
Comrade, Appenzeller, and the meeting was pre" 



35 

sided over by our very efficient Department 
Commander, N. J. Smith, who was accompanied 
in his visit to this Post on this occasion by Com- 
rades P. Keenan, and Commander Peter Morton 
P. P. C, of Post No. lo, of Richmond, Va. 

January 2 rst, Comrade J. G. Fulton, of Post 
No. 17, visited the Post and was gladly and 
fraternally received. 

And now we come to this nights gathering 
when we, with nearly a half million of our be- 
loved comrades are at this ver}^ hour assembled 
in celebrating one of the most important events 
which has ever occurred in the history of the 
order, viz . its quarto-centennial. May we live 
to see the semi-centennial celebration, and if we 
do not, may God in his mercy forgive us all our 
past offences and take us home to dwell with 
Him in the bright world above, where no part- 
ings ever come. 

W. N. Eaton, 

Adjutant. 



36 

ADDRESS BY POST COMMANDER JOHN W, RUTTER. 

Comrades, Ladies and Gentleinen : 

In obedience to General Orders No. i8, of the 
Commander-in Chief, W. G. Veasey, of March 4th, and 
other subsequent orders, relative to this occasion, I 
have been selected to make a few remarks. In at- 
tempting such, I feel my inability to do justice to the 
cause which calls us hither. It would take the lips of 
genius to pay a suitable tribute to the honor of the no- 
ble veterans who composed and established this, our 
ideal organization, the Grand Army of the Republic, 
which we meet to-night to celebrate its silver birth. 
Twenty-five years ago the first Post of the Order was 
established in the city of Decatur, Illinois, with twelve 
members. To-day it numbers 7000 posts and nearly 
half a million members. What will it be twenty-five 
years hence ? It will be but a remnant of an organiza- 
tion, with but a remnant of a future before it. It is 
different from any other organization, because it has 
no recruiting ground, except from among those who 
wore the blue upon land and sea during the war of the 
rebellion. 

This band of heroes little dreamed of the grand 
results that would follow. It appears to us now when 
we look back, after a quarter of a century has passed, 
that it was inspired by divine hands to establish the 
grandest brotherhood and school of patriotism the 
world ever knew. An institution that now voices its 
principles of charity, loyalty and patriotism through 



37 

over 7000 posts, numbering near 500,000 comrade. 
The Grand Army of the Republic was organized, not 
to perpetuate the bitterness and hatred engendered by 
the war, but to preserve and strengthen those kind and 
fraternal feelings which bind together all good citizens. 
Through the influence of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, great institutions have been established, and 
destitute comrades, stricken with disease, wounds, pri- 
vations and age, have been assembled from the poor- 
houses and desolate homes and cared for in tenderness 
and love. 

All over the land our beautiful flag, the emblem of 
liberty, floats above our public buildings, and places of 
learning, teaching the rising generation, as the orb of 
day spans the heavens, lessons of patriotism and love 
of country. 

Every Post is an altar, every camp fire a shrine, 
where we pledge ourselves anew to the principles of 
Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty, and renew our vows of 
devotion to the flag. Comrades, ours has been no idle 
mission. God, His angels and humanity honor the 
brave men who voiced their patriotism in the four 
years of war, and who for twenty-five years have by in- 
dividual and united devotion maintained and forever, 
sealed the principles for which they fought. Noble 
women, God bless them, braved the exposures of hos- 
pitals and the carnage of the battle-field, administered 
to the sick and wounded. Not satisfied, for it is said 
women's work is never done, they have rallied to the 



38 

aid of the Grand Army of the RepubHc, in their seve- 
ral organizations have cared for needy comrades and 
their famiHes. Almost in every precinct of our land, 
there are nightly vigils, where sits a watching comrade 
or bows a devoted sister, catching the words of a dy- 
ing soldier, "Bury me with my Grand Army badge on." 
Into those various organizations pours a constant 
stream of our givings, to be disbursed in works of char- 
ity and love. In compiling from the reports of the various 
departments, it shows near a half million of dollars is 
thus spent yearly in deeds of fraternity, besides large 
amounts are given by its individual members which are 
not reported. "Nor do we want it reported until we 
meet upon the plains of light," where the sound of 
muffled drums is heard no more, nor its territory scarred 
with graves, where peace and joy reigns supreme, 
and wars can never come, "Where the Grand Com- 
mander is enthroned, and all is peace and love." 



PROQRAMME 

— OF THE-- 

Quarto-Centeiipl Celebratioii 

— OF THE— 

Orgaiiizalioii of l!ie Graiid Ariiij of tlie Republic, 

HELD MONDAY, APRIL 6TH, 1891, 

— AT— 

HEADjDARTEBS OF FiBBAGDT POST HO. 1, 

DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, G. A- R- 

mmmi vl mi m. middle ind sidih streets, it im i m. 



I. Calling of the Assemblage to order by Post Commander, 
Comrade John W. Rutter and prayer by the Post Chaplain, 
Comrade Theo. T. Whitcomb. 

II. Vocal Selections by Messrs. Eaton, Whitcomb and others. 
"Rally around the Flag, Boys." 

III. Address Comrade J. W. Rutter, P. Commander. 

IV. Vocal Selection— "vSherman's march through Georgia," 
by Eaton, Whitcomb and others. 

V. Reading o? General Orders No. i8 and Circular Letter No. 
3, from National Headquarters— Assembly Standing— Post 
at attention with heads uncovered 

VI. Prayer Post Chaplain, Comrade Thco. T. Whitcomb, 

VII. Vocal Selecticjn " My Cuntry, 'tis of thee." 

VIII. Readingof History of Farragut Post, No. i. Depart- 
ment Va,, G. A. R. Orgaui/ed February 25th, 1869, Pre- 
pared by Post Adjutant, Comrade W. N. Eaton. 

IX. Vocal Selection. "PiaiseGod from whom all blessings 
flow" and BENEDICTION. 




J^J^m iS^:^^, 





